FixThis
11-10-2004, 09:47 AM
I need to replace my existing gas furnace (no A/C) which sits in a small cabinet in my hallway. My asbestos ducts are torn where the small "trap door" in the ceiling of a clothes closet has rubbed against the duct from being opened and closed over the years. I plan to have the ducts replaced.
I live in Los Angeles and have had four different companies give me estimates on replacing the furnace and installing new ducts; I understand that the asbestos removal will be done by a different company. Each of the four companies has given me a different "story" and the prices vary by thousands of dollars. I've come to the conclusion that the 3-ton Paine furnace (this is an 80% furnace) is probably going to suit my needs, I have about 1200 sf to heat.
I was told by one company that installing the 80% Paine in this existing cabinet wouldn't allow for enough clearance around the furnace to meet code. The depth of the closet is 28" and I was told that the depth of the 80% Paine is 26.something. This same company told me that I'd need to go with a 90% furnace because the code for the required clearance is -0- inches for the 90%. I'm wondering if this is true or just a ploy to get me to spend more money...
Another company told me that there was plenty of clearance in the cabinet to install the 80% Paine, yet this same company told me that "we" don't need to pull a permit. I'm not sure I understand why a company would risk not pulling a permit just to save me $200. Is this legal? Is it only illegal to not pull a permit if you get caught? (Hee - I really hate being lied to).
I don't feel that these estimators are being honest with me. I am hoping that someone could provide a little input to help me better understand what I'm being told, and help me sort-out the truth from the fiction.
I live in Los Angeles and have had four different companies give me estimates on replacing the furnace and installing new ducts; I understand that the asbestos removal will be done by a different company. Each of the four companies has given me a different "story" and the prices vary by thousands of dollars. I've come to the conclusion that the 3-ton Paine furnace (this is an 80% furnace) is probably going to suit my needs, I have about 1200 sf to heat.
I was told by one company that installing the 80% Paine in this existing cabinet wouldn't allow for enough clearance around the furnace to meet code. The depth of the closet is 28" and I was told that the depth of the 80% Paine is 26.something. This same company told me that I'd need to go with a 90% furnace because the code for the required clearance is -0- inches for the 90%. I'm wondering if this is true or just a ploy to get me to spend more money...
Another company told me that there was plenty of clearance in the cabinet to install the 80% Paine, yet this same company told me that "we" don't need to pull a permit. I'm not sure I understand why a company would risk not pulling a permit just to save me $200. Is this legal? Is it only illegal to not pull a permit if you get caught? (Hee - I really hate being lied to).
I don't feel that these estimators are being honest with me. I am hoping that someone could provide a little input to help me better understand what I'm being told, and help me sort-out the truth from the fiction.